Alex Salmond in Press talks call

ALEX Salmond last night called for Scotland’s own Press watchdog — in the
shadow of a bitter Westminster split over the Leveson report.

The First Minister urged Holyrood rivals to join him for cross-party talks
about the inquiry’s recommendations.

Prime Minister David Cameron insisted new laws are not needed to enshrine new
rules — but his deputy Nick Clegg disagrees. However, newspaper regulation
is devolved to Holyrood — and Mr Salmond believes Scotland can press ahead
with its own watchdog ahead of the rest of the UK.

The First Minister vowed to create an independent judge-led panel to work out
how Scotland can bring in the recommendations of the 2,000- page report by
Lord Justice Leveson.

But it was unclear last night if he is for or against new legislation to
create the watchdog — the source of the Westminster dispute. Mr Salmond
revealed he backed “minimalist” moves and would prefer to see an independent
ombudsman system — like the one in place in Ireland.

He said: “I am supportive of the conclusions of Lord Leveson, who has set out
clearly the difference between statutory regulation of the Press and the
argument for statutory underpinning of self-regulation.

“That puts us very much in the territory of the Press Council of Ireland which
might well provide a good template for the way forward.”

Earlier, Mr Salmond told MSPs he did NOT back “state regulation” — and
instead wanted a “strengthened voluntary press council”.

However, following the report’s publication, Scottish party leaders rounded on
Mr Salmond and claimed he was “tainted” by his own mention in the report.

The First Minister gave evidence to the inquiry where he was questioned over
The Scottish Sun’s backing of the SNP at the 2011 Holyrood election, and
News Corporation’s proposed takeover of BSkyB — a huge employer in Scotland.

It emerged he offered to call UK ministers giving his support for the BSkyB
bid — although the call never took place. The Leveson report concluded: “I
have absolutely no doubt Mr Salmond was motivated by an anxiety to help
Scottish employment and to benefit Scotland generally: that is entirely
laudable and exactly what is the expectation and proper function of the
First Minister. How far that should be taken, however, is another matter.”

A spokesman for the First Minister said the Leveson report was a “complete
vindication” for Mr Salmond.

But Tory leader Ruth Davidson insisted he “still has questions to answer”.

She said: “The Leveson report contains some marked criticisms of the First
Minister. I think it would be wise for the First Minister to take a step
back and allow another minister to represent the Scottish Government in the
proposed cross-party talks.”

Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie added: “Mr Salmond should offer to stand aside
from the cross-party work. It should be led by someone untainted by the
report.”

And Labour counterpart Johann Lamont also blasted the First Minister — and
said she was not convinced Scotland needed a separate watchdog to the rest
of the UK. She said: “The most important thing is that we retain the freedom
of the Press while at the same time making them responsible.

“I am not convinced that there is need for a separate press regulation system
in Scotland.

“But after reading Lord Leveson’s comments in his report I am convinced that
Alex Salmond is not the man to lead any form of Press regulation.”

MSPs are due to debate the Leveson report next week.

Mr Salmond is expected to be grilled over whether he thinks that new laws
would be needed to form a Scottish Press watchdog.